Graham* could not move on from Cambridge Cyrenians' supported housing for one reason: he had no valid ID.

Graham, who has lived in the UK from the EU for the past 45 years, had lost his documents over decades of moving between addresses. Without them he could not apply for his own accommodation, and the process of replacing them took a lot of phone calls, forms and appointments, led by the same support worker throughout.  

He would have been living on the streets without the help his Cambridge Cyrenians support worker who has been working with him from day one.

At the same time, Graham fell into rent arrears. He agreed a repayment plan with his support worker, kept to it, and cleared the debt. He is now in credit on his rent.

It's been a very long, complicated process, but we got there – he now has his ID! This should allow Graham to move on to his next chapter much quicker and easier.

"I am extremely grateful for the support I've been given at Cambridge Cyrenians", Graham says. "Without staff input and the constant conversations and help, I'm not sure where I would be. My family are also very pleased for me."

*Name changed to protect individual's privacy.

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